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ISLAMABAD, Nov 13 (APP): Islamabad continues to witness a growing number of diabetes cases across the country. Observed globally on November 14 every year, World Diabetes Day aims to raise awareness about the growing threat of diabetes and the urgent need for preventive healthcare.
Medical professionals, researchers and policymakers are calling for urgent preventive measures, regular screening, and stronger public awareness to counter diabetes as one of Pakistan’s most pressing health challenges.
Health experts explain that diabetes occurs in two main types. Type 1 diabetes, commonly diagnosed in childhood or adolescence, is an autoimmune condition in which the body stops producing insulin, requiring lifelong insulin therapy.
Type 2 diabetes, the more common form, develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin or fails to use it properly. It is most common among adults and closely linked to obesity, poor diet, and lack of physical activity. Gestational diabetes, they added, appears during pregnancy and, if not controlled, can lead to complications for both the mother and child.
Recent findings from the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) show that out of 200 diabetic patients attending its clinic, 85 percent were diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, 12 percent with Type 1, and 3 percent with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The study also revealed that more than 10 percent of individuals screened during a community camp in urban Islamabad were newly diagnosed, underscoring the silent spread of the disease among the population.
Dr Ahmal Khan, Medical Specialist and Diabetologist at Saeed International Hospital, Islamabad, told in an exclusive interview with APP that Pakistan now ranks third globally in diabetes prevalence. “More than 50 million people in Pakistan are living with diabetes, which makes it one of the largest health burdens in our country,” he said. “Diabetes is not merely a disease but a condition that leads to multiple serious complications if left unmanaged.”
He noted that diabetes is increasingly affecting younger adults in their 30s, mainly due to poor diet, lack of exercise, and stress. “Many patients come to hospitals only after complications appear,” Dr Ahmal added. “We see people developing eye problems leading to weak vision or blindness, kidney failure that may require dialysis or transplantation, nerve damage causing numbness and ulcers in the feet, and an alarmingly high link between diabetes and heart attacks.”
Doctors identified common symptoms of diabetes, including excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds. They urged people not to ignore these warning signs and to undergo regular medical checkups. “Prediabetes is reversible if caught in time,” Dr Ahmal said. “Regular checkups, especially for people above 30 or those with a family history of diabetes, are crucial.”
Experts highlighted that diabetes management requires lifelong commitment and lifestyle adjustments. A balanced diet, daily physical activity, stress management, and quitting smoking play a vital role in keeping blood sugar under control. Regular medication or insulin therapy, when needed, also helps prevent complications. “Treatment is not only about medicines; it’s about a complete lifestyle shift,” said Dr Ahmal.
Patients dealing with diabetes share similar experiences of transformation through awareness and discipline. Shahid Iqbal, a 37-year-old banker, said that ignoring early symptoms nearly cost him his health. “I used to feel thirsty and tired all the time, but thought it was work stress. After my diagnosis, I changed my eating habits, started walking, and now my sugar levels are normal,” he said.
Shabana Tariq, a 42-year-old housewife, shared with APP that early screening saved her from severe complications. “I learned how to manage my diet and daily routine. It’s not easy, but it’s possible with willpower,” she said.
Globally, medical communities continue to raise awareness about diabetes prevention, promoting the message “Know Your Risk, Know Your Response.” Experts in Pakistan echo the same sentiment, urging people to adopt proactive health habits instead of waiting for symptoms to appear. They also emphasise the importance of national policies that support early diagnosis, affordable medication, and educational campaigns at community levels.
Health professionals agree that diabetes is a preventable and manageable condition if society collectively promotes awareness and healthy living. They stress that consistent education, routine screening, and accessible healthcare are essential to curb its rise. As Pakistan faces an escalating number of diabetes cases, experts insist that prevention must begin at home through awareness, discipline, and commitment to a healthier lifestyle.